The 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line Is A Sporty Upgrade with Substance

The first Kona model was presented in 2018 and is transforming into a new model for 2024. Two gasoline versions are available now, plus an electric version. 

I spend a lot of time researching what car buyers write about cars on X. It appears that while the Kona N might not be the focal point of automotive discussions on X, Hyundai's push towards electrification with models like the Ioniq 5 N has captured the imagination of car enthusiasts, possibly leaving the Kona N in a bit of a shadow. However, for those still enamored with the roar of an internal combustion engine, the Kona N might just be the underdog with a quiet but loyal following.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona has a fresh look and some changes.

There's a new, less expensive N Line trim called N Line S. It's like the regular N Line, but without some fancy stuff like a better sound system, smart cruise control, and a sunroof. The Kona SEL trim with extra features now has its own name: SEL Convenience. You can compare these changes with the previous 2023 Hyundai Kona N Line model.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona comes in six different versions, or trims. The base model is the SE, followed by the SEL. If you want a bit more, check out the SEL Convenience. For those who want a sporty look, there's the N Line S and the regular N Line. At the top of the line is the Limited trim, which has the most features.

The price of the Kona starts at $25,745 for the base SE model and goes up from there. The SEL costs $27,095, while the SEL Convenience is priced at $29,295. If you want a sporty look, the N Line S starts at $30,745, and the regular N Line is $32,295. For the fully loaded experience, the Limited trim will set you back $33,295.

Why Choose the Kona N Line?

The Kona N Line is where the fun really begins. Unlike the base SE and SEL models that come with a less powerful engine, the N Line comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder that gives it a lot more pep. Not only is it quicker, but it's also more fun to drive.

Plus, the N Line doesn’t just get a powerful engine. It also comes with all the fancy stuff from the SEL Convenience trim, like the big screens, comfy heated seats, and smart cruise control.

It's like getting the best of both worlds: power and luxury. If you want to save a little money but still have that turbo engine, the N Line S is a good choice. It skips some of the extra features, but you still get that peppy motor.

Exterior of the 2024 Kona

The 2024 Hyundai Kona looks totally different than the old one. It's got a fresh, modern style. The headlights and taillights stretch across the whole car, making it look wide and low.

The Kona N Line doesn’t just look different; it looks sporty. It has a more aggressive front end with bigger air intakes to cool the engine. The body is lower and wider, giving it a planted look. There are also sporty side skirts and a rear spoiler to help it stick to the road.

You'll notice bigger wheels and tires compared to the regular Kona models. These not only look cool but also improve handling. The N Line also comes with unique styling details like a different grille, side mirrors, and exhaust tips to set it apart from the crowd.

Interior

The 2024 Kona is pretty roomy for a small SUV. You'll be comfy up front with lots of space. The dashboard looks cool and futuristic with two big screens. It's easy to use too.

The backseat is okay for kids or small adults, but it's not super spacious. If you're tall, you might feel a little cramped.

The trunk is a good size. You can fit a lot of stuff in there. If you fold down the back seats, you can even fit bigger things like bikes or boxes. It's pretty handy.

Whether in the front or the back, the seats are comfortable, even after traveling for almost two hours without a break. Overall, we found the interior well laid out and practical for a family of four. The openwork center console with retractable cup holders allows for storing bulky items, but they will be in plain sight. It is, however, possible to hide a few (small) items in the armrest between the front seats.

The Kona N Line has a super cool tech setup.

Right in front of you are two big screens, side by side. One screen shows you all the car stuff like speed and gas, while the other one is for music, maps, and your phone. It's like having two giant tablets in your car.

The screen is really easy to use and looks sharp. You can connect your phone without even using a cord, which is awesome. Plus, it has all the latest stuff like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your phone apps right on the big screen. It's like having your phone built into the car.

The Kona N Line has some power under the hood.

It comes with a turbocharged engine that makes 190 horsepower. That's enough to make it feel quick and fun to drive. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that shift smoothly.

The Kona handles pretty well for a small SUV. It's fun to take corners and feels planted on the road. It's not a sports car, but it's definitely more fun to drive than most other cars in its class.

While it's still good, the new Kona is not quite as sharp as the old one. It's a little softer, but it's still a lot of fun to drive.

EPA says the 2024 Hyundai Kona N line gets 26 miles per gallon with 24/29 city/highway respectively. However, as you can see from the below image my one week of testing of this vehicle resulted in a 23.6 MPG real-world experience.

Kona's Competition and N Line Edge

The Hyundai Kona faces stiff competition from several strong contenders in the subcompact SUV market.

Cars like the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-30, Buick Envista, Volkswagen Taos, and its cousin, the Kia Niro Hybrid, offer unique selling points.

The Chevrolet Trax is a budget-friendly option with a youthful appeal. However, compared to the Kona N Line, it lacks the sporty edge, with a less powerful engine and a softer suspension. The Mazda CX-30 is known for its stylish design and driving dynamics. While it's a strong competitor, the Kona N Line often offers better value with its standard turbocharged engine and advanced tech features.

The Buick Envista leans towards luxury, providing a more upscale feel. But the Kona N Line can match its comfort while adding a dose of sporty excitement. The Volkswagen Taos is another solid option with a German-engineered feel. However, the Kona N Line's standard turbo engine and more aggressive styling give it a clear advantage in the performance department.

Finally, the Kia Niro Hybrid is a fuel-efficient choice. While it excels in eco-friendliness, the Kona N Line stands out for its performance and engaging driving experience.

Essentially, while the Kona's competitors offer various strengths, the N Line trim differentiates itself with its sporty character, powerful engine, and advanced features. It's a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of style, performance, and practicality in a subcompact SUV.

Driving the 2024 Hyundai Kona

The Kona N Line is definitely more fun to drive than the regular Kona. It feels sportier and sticks to the road better. The regular Kona bounces around a bit more, but it’s still comfortable for everyday driving.

One cool thing about the Kona is that it has all-wheel drive. This means it can handle snow and mud better. You can even lock it in place if you get stuck.

Overall, the Kona is a good car to drive. It’s comfortable and easy to handle. The N Line is even more fun, but both versions are good for different people.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.